Unit 7
Approaching Culture
湖北第二师范学院
外语系 钱俊
Teaching aims：
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to train the students’ ability to understand the
general idea of the listening texts about the
well-renowned museums, Kwanzaa, etc., and
help them grasp the important details.
to develop students’ ability to summarize the
key points and main ideas of the long listening
material which talks about the changes in some
modern museums.
to learn some new words and expressions to
enrich vocabulary, especially the words and
expressions in Language study and language
appreciation.
Teaching equipments:
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language lab with computer and multimedia
projector
Time allocation:
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One and a half classes (135 minutes) are needed
involving with four parts for the whole unit.
For the first period (45minutes): focus on Part I
and Part II
For the second period (45minutes): focus on Part
II and Part III
For the third period (45minutes): focus on Part
III and Part IV
Part 1 Warming up
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Requirements of listening course. Develop the
habit of extensive listening after class --- listen
to English tapes, English radio programs,
English songs etc., watch English films, log on
to the websites to practice listening (Chinadaily
website, listeningexpress website, 普特听力网
etc.)
Ask students to talk about their visit to some
museums, and if possible students can bring
some pictures or souvenirs as to share their
pleasant sight feast with others.
Vocabulary and background knowledge
for this part
1. symbol noun [C] n. 符号,标志,象征
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① a sign, shape or object which is used to represent
something else:
eg. The dove is the symbol of peace. 鸽子是和平的象征。
eg. The Cross is the symbol of Christianity. 十字架是基督教
的象征。
② something that is used to represent a quality or idea:
eg. Water, a symbol of life, recurs as an image throughout her
poems.
③ a number, letter or sign used in mathematics, music,
science, etc: eg. The symbol for oxygen is O2.
④ an object can be described as a symbol of something else
if it seems to represent it because it is connected with it in a
lot of people's minds:
eg. He only bought the yacht as a status symbol he hates
sailing.
他买游艇只是为了显示身分, 其实他根本不喜欢玩游艇.
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2. even a. 平坦的,偶数的,相等的
forming a whole number which can be divided
exactly by two:
eg. 6 is an even number and 7 is an odd number.
eg. I'd say the two players are pretty even.
我认为这两个选手不相上下。
eg. He won the first game and I won the second,
so now we are even.
他赢了第一局，我赢了第二局，所以我们现
在打平。
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3. set noun [C] n. 一套,一副
a group of similar things that belong together in some
way:
eg. We bought Charles and Mandy a set of cutlery as a
wedding present.
eg. I always keep a tool set in the back of my car.
eg. The doctor said that he hadn't seen this particular
set of symptoms before.
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4. Argentina [ˌɑ:dʒən'ti:nə] n. 阿根廷
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a republic in southern South America; second largest
country in South America
Argentine adjective
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5. greet verb 致敬,欢迎,映入眼帘
to welcome someone with particular words or a
particular action, or to react to something in the stated
way
eg. I greet you in the name of the President.
我代表总统前来迎接您。
eg. I woke up and was greeted by bird song.
我一觉醒来，鸟鸣之声不绝于耳。
6. traditional 传统的;（有关）传统、惯例、教
义的或与此一致的
Of, relating to, or in accord with tradition
eg. the traditional handshake; a traditional wedding
ceremony.
惯例性的握手；传统婚娶典礼
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7. hug verb & n.
to hold someone or something close to your body with
your arms, usually to show that you like, love or value
them; a tight or amorous embrace
eg. She gave her mother an affectionate hug.
她紧紧拥抱著她的母亲。
eg. The president hugged himself with pleasure over the
quick withdrawal from the gulf war.
总统为自己能从海湾战争中见好就收感到暗自庆幸。
eg. She sat on the floor hugging her knees
(= with her knees bent up against her chest and her arms
around them).
eg. Whenever I travel in the city I make sure I hug my
handbag tightly to me.
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8. Brazil n. 巴西
the largest Latin American country and the largest
Portuguese speaking country in the world; located in the
central and northeastern part of South America; world's
leading coffee exporter
9. Canada n. 加拿大
a nation in northern North America; the French were the
first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada
10. Egypt n. 埃及
a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United
Arab Republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization
that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC
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11. Japan n. 日本
a constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese
Archipelago; a world leader in electronics and
automobile manufacture and ship building
12. Korea n. 韩国
an Asian peninsula (off Manchuria) separating the
Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan; the Korean name is
Dae-Han-Min-Gook or Han-Gook
13. Mexico n. 墨西哥
a republic in southern North America; became
independent from Spain in 1810
Key to this part:
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A. People in all countries enjoy gifts. Sometimes
the meanings are different in different cultures.
Listen to the following dialogues and look at the
pictures below. If it is not a proper gift in a
certain country for an ordinary friend, cross out
(×) the picture and check (√) the correct reason
why it is not a proper gift.
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1. Argentina
√ A tie is too personal
Plants are not easy to
look after.
2. Switzerland
Candy isn’t healthy
√ Ross mean love.
3. Italy
Odd numbers (1,3, 5 etc.) are unlucky.
√ Even number (2, 4, 6, etc.) are unlucky.
4. Japan
Pen and pencil sets are unpopular.
√ Japanese people usually don’t give four of
anything.
Tapescript for this part
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1. Argentina
Woman: This is interesting. Did you know that
in Argentina you should never give clothing
unless you know the person really well?
Man: Don’t give clothing? Why not?
Woman: Clothing --- even things like ties --- are
too personal. Only good friends give them.
Man: Huh? I never thought of a tie as being
personal … just uncomfortable. What should you
bring?
Woman: I don’t know. Maybe something for the
house.
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2. Switzerland
Man: We’re meeting Mr. Mertz and his wife for
dinner. Maybe I should bring flowers or
something … Yeah, I’ll pick up some red roses.
Woman: You don’t want to bring roses. In
Switzerland, they could be a symbol of love and
romance.
Man: Oh, I didn’t know that.
Woman: I think candy or chocolate might be
better.
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3. Italy
Woman: I’d some flowers. Uh …those. About
ten, I guess.
Man: Ma’am, I don’t think you should give ten
flowers. In Italy, even numbers ─ 2,4,6, and so
on ─ are bad luck.
Woman: Even numbers are bad luck? OK, I’ll
take nine flowers then.
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4. Japan
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Woman: May I help you?
Man: I’m going to stay with a family in Japan. I need to
get something for them.
Woman: Pen sets are always a good gift.
Man: Oh, that’s a good idea. Let’s see … There are sets
with a pen and pencil … and bigger sets with four pens.
Woman: Don’t give a set of four pens ─ in face, don’t
give four of anything. It’s bad luck. The Japanese word
for “four” sounds like the word for “death”.
Man: Thanks for telling me. I’ll take the pen and pencil
set.
Woman: Good choice. These sets make very good gifts.
After all, pens write in any language!
Man: Uh … yeah. Right.
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B. There are many ways in the world to greet
people. Listen to a few examples of greetings
from some countries. Choose correct answers for
each greeting.
1. a bow: Japan, Korea
2. a hug: Brazil, Russia
3. a strong, short handshake: Canada, the U.S.
4. a softer, longer handshake: Egypt, Mexico
Tapescript:
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A bow
Around the world, there are many different
ways to greet people. Bowing is the traditional
way of greeting in Northeast Asian countries
like Korea and Japan. This picture, for example,
shows how Japanese women bow. In Japan,
when you bow, you don’t look directly at the
other person’s eyes. But in Korea it’s important
to see the other person’s face when you bow. In
both countries, people bow to show respect.
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A hug
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When good friends meet in Russia, they often hug each
other. This is true for both women and men. Russia
isn’t the only place where friends hug. In Brazil, for
example, friends also hug each other in greeting. In
Brazil, the hug is called an abraco.
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A strong, short handshake
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You know how to shake hands. This is common in
many countries. But it isn’t always done the same way.
In the United States and Canada, for example, people
usually give a strong, short handshake. It’s short but
rather firm.
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A softer, longer handshake
In many other countries, people also shake
hands. But they do it differently from in the U.
S. and Canada. In Mexico and in Egypt, for
example, many people ─ especially men ─
shake hands. Mexican and Egyptian
handshakes usually last a little longer. The
handshake is softer ─ not as strong.
Part II
Museums in the modern world
Vocabulary for this part:
1. museum博物馆 noun [C]
a building where objects of historical, scientific
or artistic interest are kept; a depository for
collecting and displaying objects having
scientific or historical or artistic value
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2. reproduction n. 再现,复制品
a copy of something, especially a painting, or
the process of copying something
eg. This is not the original; it's only a cheap
reproduction.
这不是原作，它只不过是廉价的复制品。
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3. guided tour 由导游带领的旅行团
eg. I am going on a guided tour around the
mountain city.
我打算在这山城作一次配导游的旅游。
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4. educational service 教育机构
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5. privileged ['privilidʒd] a. 有特权的
having an advantage that only one person or
group of people has, usually because of their
position or because they are rich an advantage
that only one person or group of people has,
usually because of their position or because they
are rich
eg. As an ambassador, she enjoys a very
privileged status.
eg. On an occasion such as this (ie as important
as this) we are privileged to welcome...
在这样重要的场合, 我们有幸能欢迎...
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6. vacationer noun [C] (US)度假者, 休假者=
holidaymaker (UK)
a person who is on holiday away from where
they usually live; someone on vacation; someone
who is devoting time to pleasure or relaxation
rather than to work
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7. metropolitan [metrə'pɔlit(ə)n]
n. 大都市的居民,大主教,母国的居民
a. 大都市的,大主教区的,母国的
a person who lives in a metropolis, a very large city,
often the most important city in a large area or country;
in the Eastern Orthodox Church this title is given to a
position between bishop and patriarch; equivalent to
archbishop in western Christianity
eg. He was drawn to the metropolitan glamour and
excitement of Paris.
eg. Metropolitan new york cover200 square mile.
纽约大都市覆盖面积达200平方英里。
eg. She left the small island and became famous in
metropolitan France.
她离开小岛而在法国的大都市中成名。
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8. costume ['kɔstju:m, -'tju:m] n. 服装,剧装
A prevalent fashion of dress, including
garments, accessories, and hairstyle; A style of
dress characteristic of a particular country,
period, or people, often worn in a play or at a
masquerade.
eg. She wore an antique gown to the costume
party.
她穿着一件过时的长袍参加化妆舞会。
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9. Stegosaurus n.〈古生物〉剑龙
herbivorous ornithischian dinosaur with a row of
bony plates along its back and a spiked tail
probably used as a weapon
dinosaur
Any of various extinct, often gigantic,
carnivorous or herbivorous reptiles of the orders
Saurischia and Ornithischia that were chiefly
terrestrial and existed during the Mesozoic era.
恐龙：一种主要生活在中生代时期的陆栖动
物，是庞大的食肉或食草爬行类动物，属龙
盘目与鸟盘目，已绝种
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10. Architecture ['ɑ:kitektʃə] n. 建筑学, 建筑
业; [总称]建筑物, 建筑风格the profession of
designing buildings and environments with
consideration for their esthetic effect; the
discipline dealing with the principles of design
and construction and ornamentation of fine
buildings
eg. The Forbidden City is one of the world's
greatest works of architecture.
紫禁城是世界上最伟大的建筑之一。
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11. represent [ˌri:pri'zent] vt. 表现,表示,描绘,代表
take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to; stand for
eg. The rose represents England.
玫瑰花是英格兰的象徵。
eg. The king is represented as a villain in the play.
在这出剧中把国王刻画成一个反面人物。
12. lifestyle n. 生活方式
a manner of living that reflects the person's values and
attitudes
eg. He's decided to throw over the lifestyle he's been used
to in his parents' home, and go his own way.
他决定抛弃自己已习惯在的在父母身边的生活方式而
开始自己的生活方式。
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13. Stockholm 斯德哥尔摩：瑞典首都及最大
城市，位于该国东部，邻波罗的海，建于13
世纪中期，后发展成与汉撒同盟结盟的贸易
中心斯德哥尔摩于1523年后成为瑞典王国的
首席城市，但直到1634年才成为正式的首都
诺贝尔学院座落于此。人口653,455
The capital and largest city of Sweden, in the
eastern part of the country on the Baltic Sea.
Founded in the mid-13th century, it grew as a
trade center allied with the Hanseatic League.
Stockholm was the leading city of the kingdom
of Sweden after 1523 but did not become the
official capital until 1634. The Nobel Institute is
here. Population, 653,455.
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14. Ontario 缩写 ON， Ont.安大略省：加拿大中东
部的一个省，1867年加入联盟。最初是在17世纪由法
国探险家发现，1763年转入英国人手里，1774年成为
魁北克省的一部分。在1791年脱离魁北克省时称为上
层加拿大（之后称下层），在1841年和下层加拿大合
并成为一个具有联盟形式的独立省份。多伦多是其首
府，也是最大的城市。人口8,625,107
Abbr. ON, Ont. A province of east-central Canada. It
joined the confederation in 1867. First visited by French
explorers in the early 1600's, it passed to the British in
1763 and became part of the province of Quebec in 1774.
It was called Upper Canada after its division from
Quebec (then Lower Canada) in 1791. Reunited with
Lower Canada in 1841, it became a separate province
with the formation of the confederation. Toronto is the
capital and the largest city. Population, 8,625,107.
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15. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC 大
都会美术馆(纽约市的一所著名艺术博物馆)
One of the world's premier cultural institutions,
The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquires
artwork (prehistoric to present-day) from around
the world. With more than 2 million pieces in its
collection, the Met hosts exhibits, loans artwork
to other museums, publishes books and catalogs,
and develops educational programs for all ages.
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16. American Museum of Natural History,
NYC自然历史博物馆(它是纽约市一所著名博
物馆)
The American Museum of Natural History is a
landmark on the Upper West Side, Manhattan,
New York, USA. The museum has a scientific
staff of more than 200, and sponsors over 100
special field expeditions each year.
A. Listen to some statements taken from a passage on
the changes in today’s museums. Supply the missing
information.
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1. Museums have changed. They are no longer
places for the privileged few or for bored
vacationers to visit on rainy days.
2. More and more museum directors are
realizing that people learn best when they can
somehow become part of what they are seeing.
3. The purpose is not only to provide fun but also
to help people feel at home in the world of
science.
B. Now listen to the whole passage. While listening, pay
special attention to the specific museums mentioned in
the passage. Complete the following chart with key
words.
Museums
Museum activities
A science museum in
Ontario, Canada
The Metropolitan
Museum of Art, NYC
Electricity / pass /
body
17th century
instruments / music
The Modern Museum
in Sweden
American Museum of
Natural History, NYC
Put on costumes / the
Stockholm Opera
Bone-by-bone
C. Now listen again and complete the
outline according to the information given
on the tape.
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The Major Changes in Museums in the Modern
World
I. Reaching out to new audiences
A. the young
B. the poor
C. the less educated members
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II. Appearance
A. old museums: rebuilt
B. newer ones:
 1. modern in architecture
 2. inside the museums
 a. modern lighting, color and sound
 b. showing fewer objects
 c. display of a group of objects to represent
lifestyle
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III. Helping visitors become part of what they
see
A. no guided tours
B. encouraging visitors to touch, listen, operate
and experiment / discover scientific principles
for themselves
IV. Providing educational services and
children’s departments
A. film show
B. dance programs
Tapescript for this part:
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Museums have changed. They are no longer places for
the privileged few or for bored vacationers to visit on
rainy days.
At a science museum in Ontario, Canada, you can feel
your hair stand on end as harmless electricity passes
through your body. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art
in New York City, you can look at 17th century
instruments while listening to their music. At the
Modern Museum in Sweden, you can put on costumes
provided by the Stockholm Opera. At New York’s
American Museum of Natural History recently, you
could have helped make a bone-by-bone reproduction
of the museum’s stegosaurus, a beast that lived 200
million years ago.
Tapescript for this part:
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As these examples show, museums are reaching out to
new audiences, particularly the young, the poor, and the
less educated members of the population. As a result,
attendance is increasing.
Many museums have changed in appearance. Some of
the old, gray museums have been rebuilt, and the newer
ones are open and modern in their architecture. Inside,
there is modern lighting, color, and sound. Instead of
displaying everything they own, museum directors show
fewer objects and leave open spaces where visitors can
gather and sit down. They also bring together in one
display a group of objects drawn from various parts of
the museum in an effort to represent the whole lifestyle
of a region or a historical period. In one room, for
instance, you may find materials, clothing, tools, cooking
pots, furniture, and art works of a particular place and
time.
Tapescript for this part:
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More and more museum directors are realizing that
people learn best when they can somehow become part
of what they are seeing. In many science museums, for
example, there are no guided tours. The visitor is
encouraged to touch, listen, operate, and experiment so
as to discover scientific principles for himself. He can
have the experience of operating a spaceship or a
computer. He can experiment with glass blowing and
papermaking. The purpose is not only to provide fun but
also to help people feel at home in the world of science.
The theory is that people who do not understand science
will probably fear it, and those who fear science will not
use it to best advantage.
Many museums now provide educational services and
children’s departments. In addition to the usual displays,
they also offer film showings and dance programs.
Instead of being places that one “should” visit, they
places to enjoy.
Part I I I
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa宽扎节 即果实初收节。它是非裔美国人的节日，
共七天，从12月26日至1月1日。源自非洲传统的收获节，
以烛光仪式揭开序幕，每天点燃一支蜡烛，象征非裔美
国人的七个原则
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a festival featuring African-American culture celebrated
between Christmas and New Year lasting from
December 26 to January 1
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Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday celebrated throughout
the world, honoring African heritage, marked by
participants lighting a kinara (candle holder).[1] It is
observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.
Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration,
featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring
of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving.
It was created by Maulana Karenga and first celebrated
from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967.
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2. cooperative (UK ALSO co-operative)
adjective合作的
willing to help or do what people ask:
eg. I've asked them not to play their music so
loudly, but they're not being very cooperative.
eg. The management would like to thank the staff
for being so cooperative.
资方要感谢全体员工的通力合作。
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candleholder ['kændlˌhəʊldə(r)] n. 烛台
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4. Swahili
斯瓦希里人：穆斯林民族中的主要一支，居住在东非
从索马里到莫桑比克的沿海和岛屿上
A member of a predominantly Moslem people inhabiting
the coast and islands of eastern Africa from Somalia to
Mozambique.
The Bantu language of the Swahili that is the official
language of Tanzania and is widely used as a lingua
franca in eastern and east-central Africa.Also called In
this sense, also called Kiswahili
斯瓦希里语：作为坦桑尼亚官方语言的斯瓦希里班图
语，在东非或中东非被广泛地用作通用交际语言也作
在此意义上也可称作 Kiswahili
The following passage is about an African-American
celebration called Kwanzaa. Listen carefully and fill in
the missing information so as to get a clear picture of
what Kwanzaa is about.
Key to this part:
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I. When and where Kwanzaa began
In 1966, in Los Angeles
I I. The purpose of Kwanzaa
To honor black culture, especially, the
importance of the family
I I I. The word “Kwanzaa”
From what language is the word Kwanzaa?
A. language: Swahili
B. meaning: first fruits of the harvest
Key to this part:
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IV. People who celebrate Kwanzaa
A. African-Americans
B. families in Canada, Britain, France and Africa
V. The period of time when Kwanzaa is
celebrated
Seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1
Key to this part:
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VI. The seven goals honored by Kwanzaa
A. unity
B. personal independence
C. joint responsibility
D. cooperative economics
E. purpose
F. creativity
G. faith
Key to this part:
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VII. What people do during the celebration
A. discussing one of the goals each day
B. getting together for a party
C. enjoying a holiday meal
D. playing African music
Tapescript for this part
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On the day after Christmas in 1966, a small group of
Americans in the western city of Los Angeles began a
seven-day celebration. The celebration was not religious.
Its purpose was to honor black culture, especially the
importance of the family. The celebration is Kwanzaa.
The word Kwanzaa is Swahili. It means “first fruits of
the harvest”. Today, millions of African Americans
celebrate Kwanzaa during the month of December.
Families in Canada, Britain, France and Africa also
celebrate it. The main celebration is held for seven days
after Christmas from December 26 through January 1.
Kwanzaa, however, does not replace Christmas. Most
people who celebrate Kwanzaa also celebrate Christmas.
Kwanzaa is a time for black families
Tapescript for this part
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to discuss seven goals to live by all year. The seven goals
are unity, personal independence, joint responsibility,
cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. On
each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, family members
gather to light a black, red or green candle in a special
candleholder. Each day, the family discusses one of the
goals. People may also get together for a party and enjoy
a holiday meal. They may play some African music.
Maulana Karenga is a college professor who developed
Kwanzaa. He says Kwanzaa’s goal of unity includes
unity in the family, in the local community, in the nation
and in the African community throughout the world. He
also says that celebrating Kwanzaa will not cure the
social problems of blacks. But he says that honoring the
goals of Kwanzaa will make people more creative and
productive citizens.
Part VI
Language study and Language
appreciation
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Listen to the following statements. Pay special
attention to the parts in bold type. Learn to
appreciate and use the language.
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1. to make a good gift
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These sets make very good gifts.
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2. to feel one’s hair stand on end
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At a science museum in Ontario, Canada, you can feel
your hair stand on end as harmless electricity passes
through your body.
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3. reach out to …
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As these examples show, museums are reaching out to
new audiences, particularly the young, the poor, and the
less educated members of the population.
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4. in an effort to …
They also bring together in one display a group of objects drawn
from various parts of the museum in an effort to represent the whole
lifestyle of a region or a historical period.
5. use sth. to best advantage
The theory is that people who do not understand science will
probably fear it, and those who fear science will not use it to best
advantage.
6. places to visit / places to enjoy
Instead of being places that one “should” visit, they are places to
enjoy.
7. to live by a goal
Kwanzaa is a time for black families to discuss seven goals to live
by all year.